説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana attributed to Katayama Ichimonji with
Tokubetsu Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This blade is attributed to Katayama Ichimonji (片山一文字), which was a renowned school prospering during the mid Kamakura period (Mid 13th century). Ichimonji was the headquarters’ name, and other Ichimonji schools were Fukuoka Ichimonji and Yoshioka Ichimonji, all of which were located in today’s Okayama prefecture.
Katayama Ichimonji school was founded by Norifusa, who originally belonged to Fukuoka Ichimonij school in Bizen province. The name of Katayama Ichimonji came from the fact that he resided in Katayama village in Bitchu province to establish the school.
Bitchu is located near the Chugoku Mountains, where iron sands, one of the essential materials for making Japanese swords, were abundant. Furthermore, the swordsmiths in Okayama prefecture had close access to Yoshi River, where they could find water and charcoal. This geological location helped the swordsmiths forge high-quality, refined blades. Bichu was quite active in sword forging from ancient times.
Bizen and Bitchu provinces are both located in today’s Okayama prefecture. And one theory says that Kayama Ichimonji school was active in Katayama village in Bizen province.
It is appraised as a
Tokubetsu Hozon Token
(特別保存刀剣) issued by NBTHK(Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:日本美術刀剣保存協会). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value.
*Please keep in mind that there is partial black rust near the tip of the blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please fee free to contact us.
【 Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
64.8
cm (25.5 inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
1.8 cm (0.70 inches)
Hamon
:
The crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process
Jimon(Jihada)
:
visible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process
Nakago
:
Nakago is the tang of the Japanese sword.
Japanese swordsmiths left the black rust on the tang because it prevents red rust while the tang is in its handle. And the discoloration of the tang was created over time, and it is a great indicator for a Japanese sword specialist to estimate when the sword was forged.
Habaki
:Habaki is the equipment to make the blade not touch its scabbard inside. It prevents the blade from getting rusty and chipped.
Authentication Paper
:
NBTHK TOKUBETSU Hozon Certificate for the blade (No. 1014382)
NBTHK
, also known as Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai (the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), is one of the oldest Japanese sword appraising organizations in modern-day Japan. They authenticated the blade on Nov. 9th in the 2nd year of Reiwa (2020). They appraised it as Tokubetsu Hozon Touken, the blade especially worth preserving for Japanese society. The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a
PDF file
for your record if you request.
Registration Number :
Okayama 125474
The Board of Education in Okayama prefecture issued a registration paper for this sword. It is called Jyu Token Rui Torokusho(銃刀剣類登録証). Bunkacho(The Agency for Cultural Affairs) acknowledges a Japanese sword with this paper as a work of art.
The sword needs to be traditionally hand-forged and made of Tamahagane carbon steel to be registered in the system. With this paper, its owner in Japan can legally own an authentic Japanese sword. Based on this registration number, we will apply for its export permit.
This paper will need to be returned to the board of education when the sword is being shipped abroad, but you can receive a copy of it. An English translation of this registration paper is available on request.
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【About us】
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